Viewpoints Explained: Why Prison Meals Fall Short

This is Viewpoints Explained… The U.S. Prison population is made up of almost two million people. The average time served by state prisoners is about 2.7 years, according to a 2018 study by the Bureau Of Justice Statistics. During this time, many inmates are subjected to lackluster meals that barely nourish the body. Some of the common entrees and sides include bologna sandwiches, boiled hot dogs, plain white bread, grits, canned fruit in syrup or a steamed cup of sad-looking […]

February 4, 2026

Viewpoints

Culture Crash: Why Afrobeats Is Everywhere Right Now

Welcome to Culture Crash, where we examine American culture – what’s new and old in entertainment… In 2016, Drake released “One Dance,” a funky dance hall track that dominated the charts thanks in no small part to the influence of Wizkid, a feature on the song and one of the signature voices of the afrobeats movement. Afrobeats is a genre that has been slowly gaining in popularity in the UK, the US and around the world. In addition to “One Dance,” you’ve heard afrobeats if you’ve […]

February 4, 2026

Viewpoints

The Environmental Cost Of Saying Goodbye

As more people rethink their environmental footprint, new end-of-life options like green burials are gaining attention. We look at how these alternatives work and why more families are choosing them over traditional burial or cremation. Guests: Hayley Campbell, journalist, author, All the Living and the Dead Cassie Barrett, Director, Cemetery Operations, Carolina Memorial Sanctuary Barrett says these varying differences from company to company are important for consumers to know. While talking about death may still be a taboo topic, it’s a […]

February 1, 2026 1

Viewpoints

When Divorce Gets Real: What Most People Never Expect

For many divorce attorneys, the beginning of the year is typically peak season for obtaining new clients. After the holiday season is over, struggling couples reassess their marriage in the new year and then, if they choose to move forward, start the process of divorce in February. We speak with prominent New York City divorce attorney Jacqueline Newman about the biggest misconceptions people have when it comes to divorce and why everyone – single or married – should keep these […]

February 1, 2026 1

Viewpoints

Culture Crash: The Movies We’re Waiting To See In 2026

Welcome to Culture Crash, where we examine American culture – what’s new and old in entertainment… Ethan Hawke has been in audience’s lives for decades. Since breaking through with his acting performance in the 1989 film Dead Poets Society, Hawke has made a name for himself in films that run the gamut of genres. He’s starred in the crime drama Training Day and Richard Linklater’s romantic Before Trilogy, as well as horror movies like The Purge and sci-fi films including […]

January 28, 2026

Viewpoints

Viewpoints Explained: Why Nuclear Power Is Making A Comeback

This is Viewpoints Explained… For many years, clothing rental has been pitched as the future of fashion. But for a long time, the business model struggled to make sense financially. High costs, difficult logistics and customers who didn’t always stick around led to a lot of uncertainty. That’s why one company’s recent success is getting attention. Nuuly launched in 2019 as a subscription clothing rental service offering six items a month for ninety-eight dollars. On the surface, it looks similar […]

January 28, 2026

Viewpoints

What Children Already Know – And How Parents Can Respond

Dr. Lister is a practicing adult, adolescent and child psychiatrist and is a mother to two daughters. In her book, Giving Hope, she shares how her younger daughter, Liza, was diagnosed with terminal leukemia as a child and how this diagnosis re-framed her perspective on aging and death Kids today are absorbing far more than many adults realize – often before anyone has explained what it all means. We look at how parents can meet these moments with clarity, honesty, […]

January 25, 2026

Viewpoints

Part 1: Venezuela’s Oil: How It Powered The World & What Went Wrong

As oil output plummeted, so did revenue. And as conditions worsened and the government turned more oppressive, international sanctions followed, further isolating the industry. Once one of the world’s richest oil producers, Venezuela’s rise seemed unstoppable. We look at how politics, power struggles and global pressure led to the complete breakdown of this South American country. As the consequences still unfold, will Venezuela and its oil industry make a comeback in this globally unstable environment? Guests: Skip York, nonresident fellow […]

January 25, 2026

Viewpoints

Culture Crash: Why Actor Ethan Hawke Isn’t Slowing Down

Welcome to Culture Crash, where we examine American culture – what’s new and old in entertainment… Ethan Hawke has been in audience’s lives for decades. Since breaking through with his acting performance in the 1989 film Dead Poets Society, Hawke has made a name for himself in films that run the gamut of genres. He’s starred in the crime drama Training Day and Richard Linklater’s romantic Before Trilogy, as well as horror movies like The Purge and sci-fi films including […]

January 21, 2026